The Tamil language is set to make a significant return in Fiji’s educational curriculum after an absence of 80 years. This exciting announcement took place on Wednesday at the Penang Sangam School in Rakiraki, where Indian High Commissioner Palaniswamy Subramanyan Karthigeyan launched a Tamil language teaching program funded by the Indian government.
The program will see the arrival of two Tamil teachers from India, who will be teaching both students and interested community members at the Penang Sangam School and Sangam Primary School in Labasa. This initiative addresses a long-standing demand from the local Fiji Indian community, particularly those descended from the Girmitiyas who migrated to Fiji from today’s Tamil Nadu in the early 20th century.
High Commissioner Karthigeyan emphasized the importance of reviving the Tamil language, calling it one of the oldest classical languages and a key aspect of cultural preservation and understanding among communities. He noted that Tamil is a vibrant global language spoken by over 80 million people and encouraged the Fijian population to engage with this rich linguistic heritage.
The revival plan comes following an agreement made during a visit by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to Fiji for the 12th World Hindi Conference last February, where discussions with representatives from Fiji’s Indian diaspora took place.
Karthigeyan expressed hope that this initiative would not only revive the Tamil language but also strengthen the cultural ties between India and Fiji. TISI Sangam’s secretary-general, Gyaneshwar Rao, expressed gratitude for India’s support in this revitalization effort.
In a related event, students at the Penang Sangam School also participated in a flash quiz organized by the High Commission of India in Fiji, as part of the ongoing Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz contest.
This initiative represents a hopeful step in safeguarding linguistic diversity and promoting cultural awareness, which can lead to continuous intercultural dialogue in Fiji. As the Tamil language begins to flourish again, it creates an opportunity for deeper connections within the Indian community and beyond, reminding everyone of the richness of Fiji’s multicultural tapestry.
Summary: The Tamil language will be reintroduced into Fiji’s schools after 80 years, following a government-funded program led by India’s High Commissioner. This initiative aims to meet long-standing community demands and strengthen cultural ties between India and Fiji. The program includes Tamil language classes taught by teachers from India, fostering understanding and preserving heritage in the community.
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